By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The government has launched AI Malaysia (AIM) to accelerate the country’s development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) through ethical, inclusive, and collaborative approaches.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the launch marks a major milestone in building a trusted national AI ecosystem, aligning with Malaysia’s broader digital ambitions under the ministry.
He said AIM is not just a technological push, but a whole-of-nation movement to embed AI across industries while ensuring responsible governance.
“We must address cybercrimes, including online scams, and other security risks in the region.
“We must look into legal issues, social and cultural differences, and turn our huge Asean population into a talented digital workforce. In this regard, connectivity is key,” he said in his opening remarks at the launch of the AIM and inaugural AI Conversations 2025, at the AICB Centre of Excellence here today.
AIM was formed under the Regional and National AI Engagement Platforms — one of 12 Asean-BAC strategic initiatives under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship — to enhance economic integration, inclusivity and regional collaboration.
Gobind said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has consistently emphasised the importance of collaboration among Asean members, especially in advancing AI development.
He added that a unified and coordinated approach is essential to close the digital divide across the region and ensure all citizens from Asean countries benefit equally from digital transformation efforts.
He added that the initiative builds upon major developments, including the establishment of the National AI Framework, the National AI Office, and enhancements to the Personal Data Protection framework.
“Malaysia sits among the top 50 per cent of countries in AI readiness, joining the likes of Denmark, Italy and Switzerland. This is according to Boston Consulting Group’s The AI Maturity Matrix report published last November.
“The report showed Malaysia is among three Southeast Asian economies that are frontrunners in AI, the other two being Singapore and Indonesia.
“This reflects Malaysia’s maturing digital ecosystem that revolves around infrastructure, cyber resilience and talent,” he said.
Gobind stressed on the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and industry, stating that infrastructure alone is insufficient without local talent, policy alignment, and public trust.
He also called for greater Asean-level coordination to bridge digital divides and promote shared AI governance frameworks.
“We aim to be not just a competitor, but a collaborator in Asean’s AI landscape,” he said.
